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Report: Hawks, Lakers, Mavs interested in Monta Ellis

Monta Ellis has told the Bucks he plans to opt out of the final year of his contract. (Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)

The decision by Monta Ellis to opt out of the remaining year of his Milwaukee Bucks contract -- worth $11 million -- has sparked reports of which NBA teams are likely to line up for his services in the 2013-14 season.

While the Hawks and Mavericks have the necessary salary cap room to pursue Ellis if they desire, the cap-strapped Lakers would have to acquire him via a sign-and-trade deal. Ellis' reported desire to play with the Lakers' top free agent could make that unlikely scenario more likely.

From ESPN.com:

Ellis, who originally signed a six-year, $66 million deal with the Golden State Warriors, is close with Lakers free agent Dwight Howard. The two have long desired to play together.

If Howard cannot achieve his top goal of playing with Chris Paul, teaming up with Ellis may become an option he would strongly consider.